Untellable Movement Theatre Best Practices & Standards for Engagement 

The following standards are informed by provincial legislation and guided by Standards for Dance outlined by the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists. This is a living document subject to quarterly board review.

The Artist, Choreographer/Director, Producer & Presenter are responsible for maintaining a harassment-free work environment.

As such:

• all artists are entitled to perform their duties in a harassment-free work environment

• all artists are responsible for fostering a harassment-free work environment

• all artists are entitled to a safe and accessible resolution process for complaints

Harassment is defined as any objectionable or offensive behaviour that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. Harassment may be intended or unintended.

Examples of possible harassment include, but are not limited to:

• verbal abuse, yelling, and/or making threats;

• making degrading or offensive comments, gestures, or jokes;

• spreading malicious gossip or rumours;

• inappropriate communication through social media, e-mail, or instant messaging;

• actual or threatened physical contact or assault;

• bullying or intimidation (e.g. sabotaging work equipment, interfering with someone’s ability to perform their duties, exclusionary practices, etc.). 

Rights & Responsibilities of the Artist

 The Artist agrees to be prompt and punctual at rehearsals and costume fittings; to attend all rehearsals as required; to appear at the venue no later than the show call; to pay strict regard to stage make-up and stage dress; to perform their services as reasonably directed and execute the choreography to the best of their ability under the direction of the Choreographer/Director, Stage Manager, Rehearsal Director or Artistic Director; to maintain the original intent of the Choreographer/Director throughout the run of the show; to learn their role within a reasonable time period set by the Choreographer or Producer; to properly care for their costumes and props; to use, when required by the Producer or Presenter, safe electronic equipment and to respect the physical property of the Producer or Presenter and the venue.

The Artist agrees to abide by all obligations stated in their Agreement and all riders attached thereto.

The Artist is responsible for having warmed up for commencement of rehearsal unless otherwise negotiated.

Outside of rehearsal hours, the Artist will be available for costume fittings, photo calls, publicity or video documentation given a minimum of 72 hours notice. 

The Artist will not present themself during scheduled terms of work while intoxicated from alcohol or drugs.

If the Artist is unable to rehearse or perform due to intoxication or similar impairment, the Engager may determine that the Artist will not rehearse or perform.

Under the terms of each Agreement, the Artist has a right to be kept informed and updated as to the Producer or Presenter’s rehearsal dates and times, performance times and touring plans.

The Artist contracted by the Engager is not required to fulfill any role (i.e. company teacher, rehearsal director, administrator, publicity assistant, janitor, wardrobe, or any other duty) other than as the Artist, unless otherwise negotiated and specified in the Agreement. 

 The Artist will not perform any additional duties that are not specified in their Agreement unless they negotiate additional compensation, which will be to their satisfaction. If such additional duties as stated above are agreed upon, compensation will be specified in a rider attached to their Agreement and will constitute part of their fee.

The Artist will provide their own basic make-up, undergarments, standard rehearsal clothing and basic hair care. 

The Artist has the right to a reasonably safe rehearsal time period for extraordinary costuming, footwear, masks, headdresses, wigs, jewelry, etc.

 The Artist has the right to refuse to perform any act they deem unreasonable or unsafe.

 During rehearsal and performance, necessary protection for the Artist (i.e. knee pads, bandages, braces, ice, etc.) will be allowed if required by the Artist. The Artist will inform the Engager at the earliest possible time if such protection is necessary.

The Artist’s requirement to attend classes and warm-ups will be determined and agreed upon by the Artist and the Engager prior to the commencement of the engagement period.

The Artist agrees to abide by all rules of the venue that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Agreement.

The Artist is not liable for any costs if a Producer or Presenter declares bankruptcy.

The Artist is responsible for his/her own health and personal injury insurance unless otherwise negotiated and specified.

Rights & Responsibilities of the Choreographer/Director

The Choreographer/Director agrees to be prompt and punctual for all scheduled rehearsals; respect the physical property of the Producer or Presenter and/or venue; conduct rehearsals in a respectful manner; to abide by artistic policies of the Producer or Presenter as specified in the contract. In addition, the Choreographer agrees to make reasonable personal publicity appearances and participate in radio, television and press interviews for the purpose of promoting the production.

The Choreographer/Director agrees to abide by all obligations stated in their Agreement and all riders attached thereto.

The Choreographer/Director will terminate rehearsals at the designated time.

The Choreographer/Director will not make demands on the Artist that place the Artist’s health and welfare at risk.

The Choreographer/Director is responsible for providing the Engager with information relating to the time and resources required to complete their work. The Choreographer/Director is obligated to meet schedules and budgets provided by the Engager and communicate with the Engager any variances in a timely manner. 

The Choreographer/Director will maintain rehearsal, production and performance schedules in conjunction with the production team.

The Choreographer/Director has the right to cast the Artists who are suitable in fulfilling the specific needs of the production and will inform the Artists of all casting and casting changes in a timely manner.

In the event of a re-mounting of the production, the Choreographer/Director has the right to re-cast.

The Choreographer/Director has the right to negotiate with the Engager the terms of payment of royalties and the licensing for the presentation of works choreographed by the Choreographer/Director.

The Choreographer is not liable for any costs if a Producer or Presenter declares bankruptcy.

Rights & Responsibilities of the Producer

The Producer agrees to provide the Artist with a safe and sanitary working environment during production. The Producer will be responsible for all costs of the production, unless otherwise negotiated and specified in the Agreement, and for the fulfillment of all legal and engagement obligations stated in their Agreement and all riders attached thereto.

An Artist, Collaborator, or Choreographer/ Director may share responsibilities as Co-Producer. Whenever there are Co-Producers, specific responsibilities should be confirmed in a written letter of agreement or contract.

The Producer agrees to abide by all engagement obligations. The Producer will secure copyright permissions and licenses as required by the Choreographer/Director and ensure that payments for royalties are directed to the appropriate individuals, unless otherwise negotiated and specified in the Agreement and/or confirm that the appropriate umbrella licenses of presenters are in order.

The Producer will maintain the budget and have final approval of expenses incurred for the production.

The Producer will maintain rehearsal, production and performance schedules in conjunction with the production team.

The Producer/is responsible for publicizing the production as negotiated. When the Producer is working with a Presenter this responsibility may be that of the Presenter.

 The Producer will obtain, or ensure that, adequate liability insurance is in place for the rehearsal and performance venues, including that required for outdoor performances or other alternative performance venues, unless otherwise negotiated and specified in the Agreement. 

The Producer in conjunction with the Choreographer/Director will outline a detailed schedule of the number of hours required for each aspect of the production, including development, rehearsal, performance, workshops and other required work.

The Producer will outline a detailed schedule of the confirmed performance dates and possible or unconfirmed performance dates for the production team.

The Producer will obtain specific permits as required by provincial or municipal by-laws or confirm with the Presenter that they are in place (when applicable).

The Producer is solely responsible for all costs if the Producer declares bankruptcy.

Rights & Responsibilities of the Presenter

The Presenter agrees to provide the Artist with a safe and sanitary working environment subject to the health and safety standards applicable in the location of the performance. The Presenter is responsible for fulfillment of all legal and engagement obligations stated in their Agreement with the Producer and all riders attached thereto.